Hammond hits back at HS2 critics

Transport secretary Philip Hammond has hit out at the "truck importers and climate change deniers" who have slated his high-speed rail plans. He spoke to Insider to vent his frustration at a group of high profile business leaders, Tory colleagues and economists who wrote to the Daily Telegraph to describe the HS2 line through the country as an “extremely expensive white elephant” and a “vanity project”.

JJB plans £65m fundraising as JD walks away

Embattled high street retailer JJB Sports this morning said it expects its impending share placing will raise about £65m. The Wigan-based group said it was in talks with its major shareholders and would provide the market with more details, including timings, when it publishes its revised business plan tomorrow.

Admiral scores new owners

Sportswear brand Admiral, the manufacturer of the first commercially available England football kit, has been bought by Manchester-based Admiral Sportswear, a special purpose vehicle set up to acquire the rights in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Green Investment Bank 'must be able to borrow'

The UK could lose out on billions in green energy investment if the government waters down its plans for a Green Investment Bank, MPs have warned.

Profits up at Parkwood despite ‘mixed’ year

Support services group Parkwood Holdings, based in Preston, this morning reported a strong increase in pre-tax profit for its last financial year despite falling revenues. Chairman Tony Hewitt said the immediate future was “uncertain” but that Parkwood was “a business that survives while others come and go”.

TEG hails "pleasing" year as losses narrow

A 35 per cent increase in revenue to £20.7m has helped TEG Group, an AIM-listed organic waste business based in Chorley, reduce operating losses by 45 per cent to £398,000 in the year ended December 2010.

North prospects "worryingly bleak" without action - PwC

The prospects for the North look "worryingly bleak" without sufficient resources and a commitment to tackling inter-regional disparities, according to research by the Smith Institute in association with PwC and Newcastle University’s Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies.

Social media – businesses tell their stories

Much has been said about the advantages of social media, but how do you know it will work for your business? Insider is bringing together prominent business leaders who’ve successfully harnessed the power of social media to show you how it’s done, and there are only a handful of tickets remaining.

Past lessons have made us strong - Oglesby

Chris Oglesby, chief executive of developer and investor Bruntwood, has told Insider that the lessons learnt in the 1990s have prepared the business for the turbulent times since the downturn. Bruntwood is Manchester’s biggest commercial landlord and a main stakeholder in Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds.

Kirkby redevelopment decision due

Plans for the redevelopment of Kirkby town centre will be decided at a meeting later this week. Knowsley Council’s planning committee will meet on Friday to decide the fate of the Tesco-led regeneration scheme.

Blacon set for £18.8m revamp

An £18.8m blueprint to transform the Blacon area of Chester has been recommended for approval in a report to be considered by Cheshire West and Chester Council's executive committee.

Talking Point: Green is the colour

Andy Leach, the man overseeing the delivery of the £185m North West Fund, on why evergreen funds are plugging the gap left by the private sector.

Tague at MIPIM: Away from the headlines

Having notched up his seventh straight year reporting from MIPIM in the south of France, Neil Tague muses on the high and lowlights of this year's affair.

Your questions answered - Sales documentation

What should be included in sales documentation including information memorandums and non disclosure/confidentiality agreements? As part of our guide to Selling Your Business, Tom Rowley, director at Zeus Capital, has been answering your questions.

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